The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice
The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice
The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice
News
A poster advertises new "Porcelain War" screenings in the Bay Area. The Oscar-shortlisted documentary, produced by Paly alum Brendan Bellomo, describes the Ukrainian War from the perspective of Ukrainian artists. "Even in the darkest of times, there is the ability to come together by using our art," Bellomo said.
Paly alum’s documentary earns Oscar nod, in theaters tomorrow
Motoko Iwata and Ava Knapp • January 2, 2025

“The human spirit is able to be creative even when it seems that all hope is lost.” Palo Alto High School alum Brendan Bellomo's award-winning...

Students read aloud miniature poems during lunch last Thursday in front of Palo Alto High School's student center. According to Anna Van Valkenburg, a senior in Writer’s Craft, the poetry-reading event helps not only with their grades but also in bringing out different student voices. “I really like the idea of sharing poems,” Van Valkenburg said. “I also think it's a nice opportunity to boost your grade in the class and also get on the stage and read something. Ms. Filppu puts a big focus on amplifying voices that are not usually heard." (Photo courtesy of Brent Kline)
Pocket poetry promotes sharing personal perspectives
Veronica Qiu, News Editor, Webmaster • December 19, 2024

With students reading aloud their bite-sized poetry and cheering on their peers, the student center buzzed with life at the annual poetry-reading...

Director Jeff Willner orchestrates all the Palo Alto High School and Greene Middle School bands performed on Nov. 21 in the Palo Alto High Schools Performing Arts Center. The Paly Greene concert has been going on for almost 30 years according to Willner. "We want all of you green shirts (Greene Middle school band students) to be up here next year," Willner said
Annual Paly and Greene concert spreads upbeat energy
Xander Yap, Staff Writer • December 3, 2024

The orchestral sound bloomed into a beautiful crescendo as the bassoons surged alive along the yellow-green background, the lights perfectly...

Palo Alto residents enjoy a hearty dinner during the first Palo Alto Friendsgiving on Saturday at the Lucie Stern Community Center. According to Mary Jane Moutsanas, who helped coordinate the event, she hoped to bring a greater sense of unity to attendees. "The event has turned out amazing," Moutsanas said. "It's like right here we work on opening ourselves up to each other and feeling like we're all in this together."
First ‘Friendsgiving’ strengthens community, holiday spirit
Kristine Lin and Sophie Zhang • November 26, 2024

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, community members are feeling connected after forming new relationships at Palo Alto’s first “Friendsgiving”...

Students sift through piles of clothing at Palo Alto High School’s Thrift Fair during lunch on Friday near the library. According to sophomore Brennan Bailey, he appreciates the opportunity to find affordable clothes and explore different styles. “It positively influences people who maybe don’t have money for clothes, and can come try on stuff,” Bailey said.
Thrift Fair encourages secondhand fashion, connects student styles
William Xue and Kristine Lin • November 23, 2024

When school resumes after Thanksgiving break, students will be sporting secondhand fashion thanks to Palo Alto High School’s Thrift Fair during...

Associated Student Body members watch as history teacher Stephen Foug places a thankfulness note onto a poster in front of the ASB classroom during lunch on Monda. Sophomore Tiam Maurstad said that he appreciates ASB's efforts for Thankfulness Week. "ASB's work brings a good spirit to Paly and brings people at school together." Maurstad said.
ASB and Wellness present Thankfulness Week
Ava Knapp and Joy Tan • November 21, 2024

To kick off Thanksgiving break, the Palo Alto High School Associated Student Body collaborates with the Wellness Center to bring the spirit of...

Sports
Viking senior Jorell Clark sets up a block in a rivalry game against the Gunn Titans at Gunn High School on Saturday. According to Gunn assistant coach Sky Runser, despite losing the game it was a worthwhile experience. "It was a great rivalry," Runser said. "It's fantastic to watch the players play against people they played with and against all throughout their childhood. They all know one another and the crowd is fantastic."
Boys’ basketball defeat Gunn Titans in rivalry match
Joy Tan and Joyce Ma • January 14, 2025
Viking sophomore Justin Fung scores a layup in the final quarter of the game against the Fremont Firebirds at Palo Alto High School on Monday. According to Fung, the Vikings were hyped to play this game. "I think the mindset coming this game was must win game," Fung said. "I think our energy has been a little low throughout practice, but I think coming in this game on pregame, vibes were really high."
Boys basketball blows out Firebirds
Andrew Zhao and Alex Chang • December 19, 2024
Viking freshman Sophia Hill rushes past Lynbrook defender, leading to a mid range hook shot in the first quarter of the game. According to Vikings head coach Kevin Blunt, the team did a good job applying offensive pressure. "What we did well was being aggressive and going to the basket, which got some of them in foul trouble," Blunt said.
Girls’ basketball overpowered by Lynbrook
Andrew Zhao and Kevin O'Brien • December 18, 2024
Trending Stories
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Two lion dancers unveil auspicious tapestry at the Lunar New Year Celebration at Palo Alto's Mitchell Park Community Center. According to Palo Alto resident Yi Chen, the event was both fun and enriching for his family. “This is my first time at a Lunar New Year event in Palo Alto,” Chen said. “I think this event is pretty great as it shows all ages what Asian culture is as well as its traditional art forms.”

Palo Alto celebrates Lunar New Year with performances

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A poster advertises new "Porcelain War" screenings in the Bay Area. The Oscar-shortlisted documentary, produced by Paly alum Brendan Bellomo, describes the Ukrainian War from the perspective of Ukrainian artists. "Even in the darkest of times, there is the ability to come together by using our art," Bellomo said.

Paly alum's documentary earns Oscar nod, in theaters tomorrow

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The Bacon SOB – $12.

Review: Local Kitchens launches Sweet Onion Burger – worth a try

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Viking sophomore Justin Fung scores a layup in the final quarter of the game against the Fremont Firebirds at Palo Alto High School on Monday. According to Fung, the Vikings were hyped to play this game. "I think the mindset coming this game was must win game," Fung said. "I think our energy has been a little low throughout practice, but I think coming in this game on pregame, vibes were really high."

Boys basketball blows out Firebirds

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A sign on the window of Kirk's Steakburgers indicates the restaurant's plan to move from Town and Country to Midtown. Kirk's, a diner serving steakburgers in Palo Alto since 1948, is relocating to Midtown by the end of the month.

Kirk's to move to Midtown

Tone
Opinion
Editorial: Vote Chiu and Kamhi for school board
Editorial: Vote Chiu and Kamhi for school board
The Paly Voice Staff • November 4, 2024

Editor's Note: We have since been informed on several points made in the editorial and have corrected...

An image of the new iPhone Screen Mirroring application available on all computers running macOS Sequoia.
Apple shifts conversations on phone bans
Divij Motwani and Nathan Jiang • October 29, 2024

Following Apple’s September launch event on Sept. 9, iOS 18 and MacOS 15 were released on Sept. 17, bringing an iPhone Mirroring feature that...

Culture
Two lion dancers unveil auspicious tapestry at the Lunar New Year Celebration at Palo Alto's Mitchell Park Community Center. According to Palo Alto resident Yi Chen, the event was both fun and enriching for his family. “This is my first time at a Lunar New Year event in Palo Alto,” Chen said. “I think this event is pretty great as it shows all ages what Asian culture is as well as its traditional art forms.”
Palo Alto celebrates Lunar New Year with performances
Allison Ma and Sophie Zhang • January 12, 2025

With traditional Chinese opera reverberating across the room and lions weaving energetically through the crowd, the Palo Alto community welcomed...

In Wicked, Glinda teaches Elphaba how to become popular with a famous song from the original musical.
Wicked: A spellbinding success?
Andrew Zhao and Alex Chang • December 7, 2024

So, you’ve got a Broadway musical with a 20-year legacy, millions of devoted fans who know every lyric by heart and themes of friendship and...

Students from Antara Asthaayi Dance perform traditional Diwali dance performances, ranging from kathak dance to technique dancing on Sunday afternoon in the El Palo Alto Room at the Mitchell Park Community Center. According to Ruthann Garcia, the Mitchell Park Library Services Manager, Palo Alto worked with different dance schools to plan the activity. "We worked with a coordinator who would gather a bunch of different dance schools to help us out," Garcia said.
Festival of Lights event celebrates Diwali
William Xue and Cailey Quita • November 14, 2024

Yellow and magenta Diwali dresses, chalk-drawn rangoli on the floor, Henna tattoos and craft tables filled the rooms as Palo Alto held its "Festival...

At the grab-and-go, healthy restaurant Proper Food, customers are given the option to have their food heated up. Kevin The, a manager at Proper Food, said that the restaurant targets office workers. “They [the owners] wanted something where it’s easy to be grabbed, but still very healthy for people,” The said. “90 % of them [our customers] are people coming down from the office.”
Proper Food: Quick, healthy solution for busy employees
Sophie Zhang and Cailey Quita • November 12, 2024

On a brisk Thursday morning, mouth watering aromas fill Proper Foods, a cozy new spot hidden inside an office center in downtown Palo Alto. This...

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